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An American Crime (2007) 7.3
The true story of suburban housewife Gertrude Baniszewski, who kept a teenage girl locked in the basement of her Indiana home during the 1960s. Director:Tommy O'Haver |
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Ellen Page | ... | ||
| Hayley McFarland | ... |
Jennie Likens
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| Nick Searcy | ... |
Lester Likens
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| Romy Rosemont | ... |
Betty Likens
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| Catherine Keener | ... | ||
| Ari Graynor | ... |
Paula Baniszewski
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| Scout Taylor-Compton | ... |
Stephanie Baniszewski
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| Tristan Jarred | ... |
Johnny Baniszewski
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| Hannah Leigh | ... |
Shirley Baniszewski
(as Hannah Leigh Dworkin)
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| Bradley Whitford | ... |
Prosecutor
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| Michael O'Keefe | ... |
Reverend Bill Collier
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| Carlie Westerman | ... |
Marie Baniszewski
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| Michelle Benes | ... |
Hope Orbach
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Patricia Place | ... |
Mrs. Doyle
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Calvin Keet | ... |
Mr. Doyle
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
Based on a true story that shocked the nation in 1965, the film recounts one of the most shocking crimes ever committed against a single victim. Sylvia and Jennie Fae Likens, the two daughters of traveling carnival workers are left for an extended stay at the Indianapolis home of single mother Gertrude Baniszewski and her six children. Times are tough, and Gertrude's financial needs cause her to make this arrangement before realizing how the burden will push her unstable nature to a breaking point. What transpires in the next three months is both riveting and horrific, leaving one child dead and the rest scarred for life. Written by alfiehitchie
Taglines:
This has been the most terrible crime ever committed in the state of Indiana See more »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for strong and disturbing depiction of child abuse and torture | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
7 December 2007 (Sweden) See more »Also Known As:
The Basement See more »Filming Locations:
Los Angeles, California, USABox Office
Budget:
$2,000,000 (estimated)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Dolby DigitalColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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[Sylvia puts her hand on her sister's shoulder]
Sylvia Likens: That check's gonna come along, I swear.
[When Jenny doesn't answer, Sylvia puts her lips to her sister's head and strokes her hair]
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Written by Orion R. Farrar
Performed by Tangley Calliope
Courtesy of Marion Roehl Recordings
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
The film is based largely on actual court transcripts from the case. See more »Goofs
Gertrude turns over her matchbook to strike a match. In 1965, the striking strip was still on the front of a matchbook, not the back. See more »Quotes
Sylvia Likens: [after they've been lashed, Sylvia sits down next to Jenny, hoping to comfort her] Come on, Jenny. It's not like we've never had a spanking before.[Sylvia puts her hand on her sister's shoulder]
Sylvia Likens: That check's gonna come along, I swear.
[When Jenny doesn't answer, Sylvia puts her lips to her sister's head and strokes her hair]
See more »
Crazy Credits
The final credit states "Sylvia Likens, 1949-1965". See more »Soundtracks
"Hi Henry's Triumphal March"Written by Orion R. Farrar
Performed by Tangley Calliope
Courtesy of Marion Roehl Recordings
See more »
As usual after reading numerous 10/10 grades given here you decide to check out this must see movie. (maybe some of the 10/10 reviewers haven't yet seen the girl next door?) Yes everyone has different opinions which i respect but''''' well this is based on a true story. And having seen Jack Ketchum's The girl next door and read the true story of this horrific torture,' An American crime' was disgusting to watch for me. The direction the makers of American crime takes is trying to understand, and comes across as trying to give excuses to the perpetrator's for their unforgivable acts, (This i find extremely repulsive & angering!) As well as glossing up and trying to make people feel for this woman's tough financial situation and understand what could have lead these heartless killers to brutally deprecate & mutilate a young girl, they do not give you the gut wrenching feeling anywhere near the way that Jack Ketchum does. The girl next door is truly unbearable to watch, but thats the way it should be!!!! This should not be a film for fat-cat Hollywood filmmakers to make entertainment out of, but a genuine attempt to tell the world of Sylvia Marie Likens last few months in the care of a local church going neighbour and mum? of 7.. If you are interested in a fluffed up version of this true atrocity go ahead and take the American crime path, but if you want a moving more accurate version of the barbarity in which the girl suffered watch Jack Ketchums the girl next door!! not for family entertainment!! great work yet again by the justice system! how do these people sleep at night???............ R.I.P Sylvia Marie Likens....